Ike Gauntlet – Summary of 2nd Test

2014 toyota tundra extreme towing rocky mountains

The data from The Fast Lane Truck’s second Ike Gauntlet – Light Duty edition is in.  Here is the summary of the results so you can see it all in one place.  This extreme towing test saw the following two pickups: 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4×4 Limited and 2013 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4×4 Sport.

This extreme test is designed to showcase how the trucks cope with towing a load, which is 85% or higher of their maximum tow rating, at high elevation and up a steep grade.  The Ike Gauntlet is going down and up the eight mile stretch of interstate I-70 between the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel and the town of Silverthorn.  There is more than 2,000 feet of elevation change with an average 7% grade.  The finish line is at 11,158 feet above sea level!  And the total load on the trucks is nearly 8,000 lbs.

Light Duty Edition

2014 Toyota Tundra 2013 Ram 1500
Model CrewMax 4×4 Limited CrewCab 4×4 Sport
 As Tested $ $45,220 $54,355
Engine 5.7-liter V8 iForce 5.7-liter V8 HEMI
Transmission 6-speed Auto 8-speed Auto
Power (hp / lb-ft) 381 / 401 395 / 407
Tow Rating 9,600 lbs (4.30 axle) 10,000 lbs (3.92 axle)
Payload 1,410 lbs 1,330 lbs
Wheelbase 145.7 in 140.7 in
Test Load (trailer + ppl) 8,000 lbs 8,000 lbs
Down: Brake Temp (Front / Rear/ Trailer) F 574 / 504 / 165 594 / 520 / 86
Down: Transmission Temp normal normal
Up: Time 7:57.35 7:50.24
Avg MPG  6.7  7.3
Up: Transmission Temp normal normal

Stay tuned for Ike Gauntlet 2.0 – coming in November!  What is Ike Gauntlet 2.0?  We are raising the load and pushing the test over the extreme.  Stay tuned!

andre
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.